Moorfield Group has entered a 50:50 joint venture with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) to develop, own, and operate “Podium”, a £120 million build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

The development, part of Glenbrook’s Lumina Village, will comprise 440 homes across four buildings and a central podium, combining apartments and townhouses designed to meet the needs of young professionals and families.

The joint venture will be funded through approximately £40 million in equity, with GMPF contributing £20 million for its 50% stake. The remaining funding will be provided as debt by Trafford Council. Construction is underway, with completion anticipated in Q2 2026.

Residents of Podium will benefit from a wide range of amenities, including lounges, co-working spaces, a gym, roof terrace, cycle storage, a large car park, and communal landscaped green areas—the largest of any BTR development in Manchester.

Podium will deliver on ambitious ESG targets, including:

  • At least 95% of homes achieving EPC B or higher
  • Net zero operational carbon via full electrification
  • Additional decarbonisation and biodiversity initiative

Situated in Trafford’s Civic Quarter and close to Old Trafford football and cricket stadiums, Podium supports local regeneration while providing long-term, sustainable housing for Greater Manchester. The development also represents GMPF’s continued growth in the residential sector and aligns with Moorfield’s ongoing commitment to the UK living market, following its prior BTR investments in The Trilogy, Castlefield and Duet, Salford Quays.

This joint venture underscores the growing institutional interest in UK build-to-rent, highlighting a shared commitment from Moorfield and GMPF to deliver high-quality, sustainable rental housing and address Greater Manchester’s housing demand.